Screw air compressors often encounter faults during operation due to various factors. To ensure optimal performance and extend the equipment’s service life, regular and proper maintenance is essential. However, the current landscape of maintenance personnel is highly varied. Some technicians work for original manufacturers or authorized distributors, while others are part-time hardware store staff, factory operators, or independent electrical repair contractors.
This diversity leads to inconsistent levels of professionalism and recurring maintenance issues. Below, we outline nine common mistakes often made by air compressor technicians and how to avoid them.
1. Blind Disassembly Without Accurate Fault Diagnosis
Many technicians lack a deep understanding of screw air compressor structure and principles. Instead of analyzing symptoms methodically, they resort to blind disassembly based on rough assumptions like “it’s probably this.” This approach not only fails to resolve the original fault but may introduce new problems due to poor workmanship.
Best practice: Use diagnostic tools where available. If unavailable, apply traditional methods such as asking, observing, inspecting, and testing, combined with knowledge of the compressor’s structure and operation.
Technicians should follow logical fault isolation methods—start simple, check external components before internal ones, and assess assemblies before sub-components. Training in electrical and mechanical systems is crucial to avoid trial-and-error repairs.
2. Over-Reliance on Replacing Parts Instead of Repairing
Diagnosing faults in ضواغط الهواء اللولبية can be complex. Some technicians habitually replace parts one by one hoping to fix the issue, unnecessarily increasing user costs.
In many cases, faulty components can be repaired and restored to functionality without complex procedures. However, due to a lack of tools, skills, or motivation, technicians often prefer replacement.
Recommendation: Encourage repair when viable. For example, worn parts can be refurbished using electroplating or thermal spray techniques. Providing technicians with proper tools (e.g., digital multimeters, voltage regulators, test instruments) and incentive programs can increase repair rates and reduce waste.
3. Installing New Parts Without Quality Inspection
Some technicians install new parts without inspecting their quality. In today’s market, aftermarket components vary widely in quality—some are even counterfeit. Parts stored for long periods may also degrade.
Solution: Always test new parts before installation. This includes visual inspection and performance verification to avoid introducing new failures.
4. Using Incorrect or Inferior Substitute Parts
Substituting incompatible or poor-quality parts is still a widespread issue. While temporary substitutes might work in emergencies, long-term use can compromise air compressor efficiency and safety.
For instance, using low-grade compressor oil can increase rotor wear, oil consumption, and reduce overall performance. Poor oil can also clog filters and separators, leading to overheating or even explosions.
Tip: Always use original or certified components. Don’t compromise on quality to cut costs—substandard parts usually lead to higher long-term expenses and equipment downtime.
5. Improper Repair Methods: Treating the Symptoms, Not the Root Cause
Some maintenance personnel adopt quick-fix methods, treating symptoms without addressing underlying causes.
Example 1: When dealing with overheating issues, technicians may simply clean the cooler or change the oil. While this helps short-term, the root cause—residual sludge and varnish buildup in the oil circulation system—often remains. This leads to recurring issues like motor overload or even rotor seizure.
Example 2: For water-cooled compressors, using untreated tap water can cause scaling and blockages. While chemical descaling may help, repeated use weakens pipe integrity.
Long-term solution: Switch to softened water, install a filter screen, and perform regular maintenance to reduce faults and prolong system lifespan.
Example 3: “Welding instead of fixing” is also common. For example, forcing piston pins without heating or excessive scraping of bearings can permanently damage components.
Avoid These Pitfalls with Professional Support
To ensure the reliable performance of your Baldor screw air compressor, it’s vital to work with trained, certified technicians and follow standardized maintenance protocols. Avoiding the above mistakes can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and extend the equipment’s operational life.
For more expert advice on air compressor maintenance, explore Baldor’s technical support resources or contact our service team.